Women and Heart Disease

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Page Content 2 Heart disease isn't only a problem for older men. It is the leading cause of death in Australian women and is in the top five causes of years of healthy life lost. Having a basic understanding of your heart and how it functions is the first step in helping to protect it against heart disease. Most women don't know that heart disease is their number one killer so its vital to understand heart disease and why it's relevant to women. Go Red for Women campaign The Heart Foundation Go Red for Women campaign aims to raise awareness of heart disease as the number one killer of Australian women. Some of the reasons why heart disease affects women more than men include: Menopause and heart disease It is not clear why women tend to get heart disease at a later age than men, although it seems that the hormone oestrogen may give some protection during the reproductive years. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) Hormone replacement therapy, which includes oestrogen replacement, has been used for many years for the short-term treatment of troublesome menopausal symptoms. Depending on their doctors’ advice, HRT has also been used after menopause by some women who have osteoporosis. Osteoporosis results in a reduction in bone density and strength. There has been a lot of research into the effects of HRT on the development of heart disease. Based on this research, we do not recommend that HRT is used to prevent heart disease in women. We also do not recommend it for preventing further heart problems in women who already have heart disease. Before commencing HRT (e.g. for the short-term treatment of menopausal symptoms), women should discuss the risks and benefits of the therapy with their doctors. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has published booklets that provide information and advice on the use of HRT, including the main benefits and risks of HRT. Oral contraception For healthy, young women, oral contraceptives are usually safe. However, women who smoke while taking the contraceptive pill greatly increase their risk of heart, stroke and blood vessel disease. For more information, talk with your doctor. Don’t know what questions to ask? To make things easier we have developed a Questions to ask your GP tool. Take this with you to your next check-up to be on your way to assessing your own heart health and personal risk of heart disease. Queries about your heart health? Call the Heart Foundation’s Health Information Service during business hours on 1300 36 27 87. Or send your query by email. Staffed by qualified health professionals, they provide free, personalised information on heart health, nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.